Reports of Avian Influenza in Dutchess, Ulster
DEC says tests are pending; Keep pets, children away from any dead birds
Dead geese, hawks and crows have been reported across the Hudson Valley recently as another winter with cases of deadly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) sweeps through the area.
Officials with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed with HVNY that they have received several reports of deceased birds in Dutchess and Ulster counties so far in 2026.
“DEC Wildlife experts have retrieved samples to send to the state’s laboratory for testing and results are pending. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is becoming more prevalent across the state so the likelihood of it being present in these counties is elevated.”
Over the past several days, residents have reported a large flock of deceased geese near a pond in Clinton Corners, another flock of dead geese were seen on a pond in Millerton, a deceased hawk in a backyard in Millbrook and dead crow off Route 44. The reports follow dozens of dead crows that were found dead behind a shopping center in the Town of Wallkill in Orange County late last month. Testing for those crows came back positive for HPAI.
The DEC did not specify any individual cases or locales where recent suspected HPAI cases have been detected or tested, but said, “The public should strongly consider that groups of birds found deceased are HPAI positive and should follow CDC safety protocols to reduce contact.”
Across New York State, HPAI has been detected in 13 counties in raptors and waterfowl and one striped skunk, according to the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab. Reports include multiple incidents involving large groups of geese that could not be collected due to their location.
Who’s at risk?
Waterfowl, waterbirds, raptors, and scavenging birds are at higher risk of infection, but any species could potentially be infected, including mammals.
In addition to wild birds, HPAI has also been confirmed in wild mammals in New York, according to Cornell, with 39 cases across eight species, including red foxes, raccoons, a striped skunk, a Virginia opossum, and a bobcat. New York had the first confirmed positive cases of HPAI in an Eastern gray squirrel and a muskrat. Carnivores have also been affected in other parts of the United States.
What to look out for:
HPAI-infected birds may be asymptomatic or may exhibit signs of respiratory distress (sneezing or nasal discharge), lethargy, neurologic malfunction (ataxia, stargazing, or seizures), diarrhea, weakness, or sudden death.
Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and mammals
As HPAI cases have increased, reports of public interactions with sick wildlife have also increased. DEC advises the public to avoid any contact with sick or dead birds and mammals that may be infected with HPAI.
Since HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal, the agency said. In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away.
If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle.
Local farms and backyard flock owners should reinforce their biosecurity measures. According to the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, “Typical precautions would include wearing dedicated clothing and shoes that are disinfected between sites, spraying down car tires, and disinfecting equipment between sites.”
Can you still feed the birds?
Wild birds can still be fed during an avian influenza outbreak, New York State Department of Health officials note, but feeders should be disenfected and washed regularly, and feeding areas should be kept clean of any debris.
Also make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling bird feeders, or after tending to your backyard flocks.
Check back for updates.
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